Houstonians will have the opportunity to do some good while eating well on Thursday thanks to Dining Out for Life. Over 40 Houston restaurants are participating in the one-day only annual event, which raises money for AIDS Foundation Houston.
The event began in Philadelphia in 1991 but has since spread to over 50 cities across the country. Last year's event raised $4.13 million nationwide, and organizers are confident they can break that record in 2015.
"Everyone at every price point can participate and feel great about eating out on April 30,” says event chair Jessica Rossman.
"I have been amazed about how the top restaurants in Houston have been so supportive of this event," said event chair Jessica Rossman in a statement. "Everyone at every price point can participate and feel great about eating out on April 30.”
Unlike the popular Houston Restaurant Weeks, which focuses on fine-dining restaurants at fixed price points of $35 and $45 per person for dinner, Dining Out for Life goes with a broader approach by including restaurants from across the price spectrum. Additionally, diners order from the regular menu rather than choosing from more limited menus that aren't always an accurate reflection of the participating restaurant's typical offerings.
Those looking for an inexpensive meal have choices like Jenni's Noodle House, Barnaby's and the Creek Group establishments (Canyon, Cedar, Onion, Dry and Lowbrow).
Diners seeking a more upscale experience can choose from places like Brasserie 19, RDG + Bar Annie and Latin Bites.
CultureMap Tastemaker nominated restaurants consist of Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year candidate Liberty Kitchen and Oysterette and Best New Restaurant nominee Prohibition Supperclub & Bar. (See the full list here.)
Regardless of where one chooses to dine, the money raised helps contribute to an important cause. Participating restaurants are donating 25 percent of the day's sales or a lump sum to AIDS Foundation Houston.
"We have a chance to end HIV/AIDS within our lifetime” AIDS Foundation Houston CEO Kelly Young says. “Dining Out for Life not only raises money to end HIV/AIDS but also raises awareness about the disease."
Dining Out For Life event chair Jessica Rossman, center, poses with chefs from participating restaurants.
